Cricket guide a tricky pitch

Cricket Australia has been forced to defend a sponsor's guide to the sport directed at women after the booklet was slammed by women's groups as sexist and insulting.

The booklet, produced by the No. 1 sponsor for the Australian Test team, 3 Mobile, and approved by Cricket Australia, is entitled Cricket for Chicks and aims to simplify the rules of cricket for women.

It also contains advice on what to wear to the cricket and how to attract men.

"I personally would opt for a sexy little cami with a sheer, natural fibre kaftan-style top in the kit for when the sun really kicks in . . . It is imperative to invest in a foxy hat," writes freelance fashion stylist Amanda Smith.

"I would highly recommend meeting some friends at a bar for a drink or two before the game. Also a great way to meet new boys before the game," writes Amanda Lee Harvey, wife of Australian all-rounder Ian Harvey.

Talkback callers have vented their anger on radio programs since the release of the Cricket Australia-approved booklet on Monday.

But yesterday, Cricket Australia's Belinda Clark - who is also the captain of the Australian women's team - defended the publication as a light-hearted document designed to broaden the popularity of the sport.

"In terms of what Cricket Australia is trying to achieve, we're trying to broaden the game's appeal and we have strategies in place to do that," Clark said.

"The guide, which by the way is not produced by Cricket Australia but '3', is trying to broaden the market and that fits with our aim.

"It's a fun, light-hearted introduction to the game for those new to the game or people who don't know much about it."

But the Victorian Women's Electorate yesterday criticised the booklet as an insult to women. Spokeswoman Linda Hancock dismissed suggestions it should be looked at as a bit of a joke.

"It is making out that the main aim of a woman is to snare a man. If we go around being sexist and insulting, then say it's light-hearted and fun, well, that does not make it acceptable," Hancock said. "It is a laudable aim to popularise the sport and broaden its appeal but even calling it Cricket for Chicks is sexist.

"It could have been named cricket for beginners or understanding cricket. It is crass and portrays a degrading stereotype of women."